Jeong Eui-yong: "Delivered to North Korea to 'Consider the Pope's Visit to North Korea'"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong stated on the 11th that the government conveyed the opinion to the North Korean side to consider the possibility of Pope Francis visiting North Korea.

Minister Chung responded to a question from Lee Tae-gyu, a member of the People's Party, during the plenary session of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee in the afternoon, saying, "During the dialogue process between South and North Korea, we conveyed the opinion to consider the possibility of the Pope visiting North Korea."

Lee asked, "Did the minister not try to have a dialogue during the summit with General Secretary Kim Jong-un or as a special envoy? In that process, have you ever suggested sending an invitation to the Pope?" To this, Minister Chung replied, "I cannot disclose the details of the level," and answered accordingly.

Regarding whether the Pope's intention to visit North Korea is certain, Minister Chung said, "We see it that way," and added, "If North Korea is determined, it is fully feasible."

Regarding North Korea's response to the Pope's intention to visit, Minister Chung said, "There is no negative response so far," and added, "However, the Vatican's position is that it can only be considered if there is an official invitation from North Korea."